“In every generation let each man look on himself as though he himself came forth out of Egypt” (individuals to personalize the meaning of Passover)

In the Soviet era, the plight of Russian Jewry was seen as a counterpart to ancient bondage in Egypt. Reform Judaism especially has always related Passover to general hopes for freedom for all peoples.

God as Redeemer of lost humanity

THE LAMB

One of the 3 items to be eaten at the Passover meal (Ex. 12:8)

Christ is the Passover lamb (I Cor. 5:7)

No tradition because not eaten at Passover since destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D.

Among Ashkenazic Jews (those of Eastern European origin) chicken often substituted; Sephardic Jews (those of Mediterranean, Spanish, and Middle Eastern origin) may continue to eat lamb

Christ portrayed as “Lamb of God”

THE MAROR (Bitter Herbs)

One of the 3 items commanded in Exodus 12:8

May have been the “sop” which Jesus handed to Judas

Represents the bitterness of Egyptian slavery

Eaten at the contemporary seder; given the same significance as in rabbinic tradition

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THE UNLEAVENED BREAD

One of the 3 items commanded in Exodus 12:8 (called matzo)

The body of Christ given in sacrifice (Luke 22:19);* Absence of sin (leaven) (I Cor. 5:8)

Represents the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt (they could not wait for their bread to rise)

Eaten at the contemporary seder and 7 days following in place of leavened bread; also year-round non-ceremonial use; given the same significance as in rabbinic tradition

Many churches use matzo as Communion element

* Some Jewish scholars believe the afikomen ceremony may reflect an early messianic symbolism. Many Jewish believers today see this ceremony of breaking, burying, and retrieving a piece of matzo as a picture of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.